Tag: tech

Tech Review – Soundpeats AIR3 deluxe HS

The Soundpeats AIR3 deluxe HS is another pair of the latest from the company to drop in for testing and these are your typical pencil styled earbuds with no tips to contend with and are stylish and discreet in comparison to others out there which have long stems and look stupid in my opinion however the trend seems to have that style disappearing now due to technology advancing requiring a smaller footprint to house what goes on inside.

These fit well despite having no tips but one thing with the likes of these earbuds is the lack on good ANC as it is a one size fits all approach so they are not for everyone and you will note there is no ANC present with these anyway due to their design etc however if ANC is not a feature you are too pushed on and want excellent sound well then stay put because these deliver on sound regardless as excepted from the brand who delivers affordable audio products at great prices.

These earbuds have plenty of features plus access to their app which must be said is pretty damn good after trying it out several times with different products from the brand and this enhances the users experience overall for a great price. The earbuds have 14.2mm Bio-diaphragm Drivers which packs a punch with volume and sound giving a great overall audio experience at a fraction of the cost of other similar offerings.

During my usual test run the audio was crisp and clear no overlapping with highs lows or mids and in general for movies and music they delivered on all aspects and again having that app access really helps these shine for the price. You also have ear detection built in which again not often seen at this price along with an app. Battery life is decent but slightly under par with the standard of today and near on par with their claims but this will be different for every user depending on what set-up they use and volume level.

The charging case also is another pebble styled case that will fit in any pocket but has no wireless charging which is no big deal given I do prefer having an earbuds case with it like the previous model we reviewed the Mini Pro HS.

For those who want to use their earbuds for gaming  you have that option here too which stops lag latency and none was noted during testing the music end of things either overall giving a well priced pair of earbuds to suit both those who want great audio for music and gaming and not forgetting the LDAC and high res audio built in. Check the video review for more and what to expect.

The AppFeatures:

Hi-Res Audio Certification & LDAC Codec Tech

14.2mm Driver & Four Microphones
In-Ear Detection & 20 Hours of Playtime

Low Latency Game Mode & App Control

Buy at the links below:
UK Amazon: https://bit.ly/Air3DeluxeHS-UK
US Amazon: https://bit.ly/Air3DeluxeHSUS ( 22% off coupon +10% off Code:  NI6VXZF8 )

Video Review

Tech Review – Tranya X5 sports earbuds

The Tranya X5 sports earbuds are ideal for those on a budget and who wants to have a good audio experience when they go training or even just commuting these also have a gaming mode too which is becoming a more common feature on headphones and earbuds so these earbuds cater for everyone in short.

The fit is solid as they are hooked around your ears which makes it ideal for the gym, running and any fitness activity, they will not fall off after my testing and this is something folks need when using for fitness activities, not a day goes by when I hear from someone that has a lost an earbuds from jogging or training or just being careless so these again are ideal for such folk.

How these sound however is where it is at, there is no app access here so no EQ settings to contend with unless you want to try an EQ app which most are brutal being honest but out of the box they sound really good which is a good thing with a well balanced audio experience no distortion or tinny sounds when maxed out either which again is good and often the case you would find on earbuds sub 100 euro but not here. From my usual test run with audio,movies, streaming and gaming they did a great job and felt very centered overall, these have got big drivers inside with them being 14.2mm graphene drivers.

The controls also work a treat having all the features required and we demo this in the video review below, you can skip and reverse tracks higher and lower the volume access voice assistant and change modes all from the earbuds and you can also manage calls too. One thing is though you cant use the left one on its own only the right side works if the left is in the case which is not a huge deal as many earbuds have this mono approach some all you to use one side and some allow both.

Overall these are well equipped affordable pair of sports earbuds adding the safety of not losing them with a well balanced sound the latest bluetooth 5.3 so no lag latency or disconnecting with a below par battery life but nonetheless a decent pair of sports buds for those on a budget.

Features

  • Equipped with a 14.2mm Graphene Driver
  • Bluetooth 5.3, Ultra-Stable Connection
  • Lower Latency, Better Gaming Experience
  • Incredible Clean Sound Quality
  • AI-Enhanced Clear Calls，4-Microphone System
  • Simple & Practical Touch Controls
  • Secure and Comfortable Wearing
  • 9-Hour Playtime on A Single Charge
  • IPX5 Sweat and Water Resistant

BUY

Video Review

First Look – Skullcandy X Burton limited-edition Push Active and Mod True wireless earbuds

Recently Skullcandy launched another collaboration and this time it is with Burton, in recent times the company has had several collabs which we have been delighted to cover and have a hands on experience with and long may these collaborations continue, For example there was the Doritos edition Capcom Street Fighter edition and Skullcandy Inequality Crusher headphones.

“Jake Burton Carpenter spent more than four decades advancing snowboard design and fighting for lift access for snowboarders at resorts around the world. Skullcandy was born on one of those chairlifts. Without Burton, snowboarding wouldn’t be what it is today. In a way, Skullcandy might not be either,” said Derek Steiner, director of global brand partnerships, Skullcandy.

Both a Skullcandy and Burton ambassador, Olympic Gold Medalist and three-time female Snowboarder of the Year Anna Gasser, lends her image to the Skullcandy x Burton collaboration. She not only drives progress in her sport but in her community as well, pushing boundaries and inspiring up-and-comers to follow their dreams.

“With similar backgrounds and philosophies, this collaboration with Burton has been a long time coming,” Steiner continued. “A collection with a look this loud, needs serious performance to back it up and Skullcandy’s Crusher Evo, Push Active and Mod deliver just that. We hope this unique collab inspires our fans to express themselves on the mountain and in life, always daring to venture down the road less traveled.” 

Today we have a first look at the latest and if you want our full review we shall have one, again these are products that we have reviewed on site before however freshened up wit their latest collab and look really good.

Features

Skullcandy x Burton Push Active True Wireless Earbuds – £79.99

  • Skull-iQ Smart Feature Technology

  • Hands-free voice control

  • Up to 44 hours total battery + rapid charge

  • IP55 sweat and water resistant

  • Flexible, over-ear hooks for a secure, exercise-focused fit

  • Update features with the Skullcandy App

  • Built-in Tile® finding technology

 

Skullcandy x Burton Mod True Wireless Earbuds – £54.99 RRP

  • Multipoint Pairing

  • Clear Voice Smart Mic

  • Adjustable Stay-Aware Mode

  • Customization via Skullcandy App

  • Up to 34 Hours of Battery Life + USB-C Rapid Charging Case

  • True Wireless via Bluetooth® 5.2

  • Auto On/Connect

  • IP55 Sweat and Water Resistance

  • Built-in Tile® finding technology

BUY 

Unboxing Video

Tech Review – Creative Outlier Free Pro bone conduction headphones

Bone conduction headphones are now a thing and after reviewing multiple pairs here we can see why this is the case as they apply technology in a different way and is more beneficial to the ears which is important for your own health. Creative have recently launched two new pairs of such and we are checking out the Outlier Free Pro today after some time with them, not featuring all the aspects traditional earbuds do this pair is for those who are into sports and you can even take a dip with these on which for me is something I would never do but here you can if you want to do so and be different.

The design is familiar here with these bone conducting headphones and it will be some time before we see new designs or companies being bold whilst this style takes off. These simply just wrap around your ears and rest on your neck and can be worn in more ways than one depending who you are i guess.

They are super light and covered with a nice rubberised material giving them their IPX8 rating which is the highest yet to be seen on such a product. They are comfortable to wear for long periods of time and you will forget they are there, you can angle these in two ways if you want to be different too but they are designed to be worn one way but they do work in two ways by changing the angle and where you place the bud part.

There is a simple option on board to control these two with the buttons just placed on one side which keeps it simple like any other of these bone conduction headphones I have tried out so far. The three buttons are raised and easy to navigate too. There is more than meets the eye with just three buttons present too and they basically do all the things you need to on a pair of earbuds.

You can store music on these or just connect to your smartphone there is 8GB of onboard storage and you can switch between either by pressing the multifunction button which also changes the latency option.

You can play and pause skip and reverse tracks and control your volume too and manage calls and furthermore have access to your voice assistant. We demo all this in the video review below.

The Outlier Free Pro stands out even more with its 8GB (stores 2,000 MP3 songs) built-in music player (also compatible with FLAC, WAV and APE file formats); it enables users to enjoy their favorite tunes without the need to carry their mobile phones. Thanks to its IPX8 rating (the highest waterproof rating for water immersion), swimmers can even swim underwater in the pool.

When it comes to sound they have a nice level of bass these type of headphones will not give the same effect as earbuds but it is not far off and overall they sound good and the best from what I have tried to date for music videos and more there is one thing though if you have them turned up to the max if you are on a bus etc the person beside you will heat what you are listening to. The Outlier Free Pro offers up to 10 hours of battery life per charge 10 minutes of quick-charging provides 2 hours of playtime at around 75% charge which is not bad but if using full volume like me you can expect around 9 and a half hours but with the quick charge you are good to go rather fast.

Overall a solid first attempt at a new line that gives good tunes and battery life along with protection for those who are into sports and more demanding on build quality and full of features you would expect to find on your traditional earbuds.

BUY

Video Review

Tech Review – Soundpeats Mini Pro HS

The Soundpeats Mini Pro HS are one of the latest affordable earbuds on offer from the company and after some time testing them they deliver on sound and has access to their app which is excellent and helps the consumer get more for their money and at this price point having an app is not seen too often and there is a notable difference in sound with the EQ settings in the app whilst most at this price do not offer much of a notable difference between profiles.

The earbuds are a comfortable fit and sit well in the ears and as always it is best you select the right sized tips to get the maximum effect from your earbuds. Again the controls  here are excellent and work well and I have said before Soundpeats have done a great job here with the touch controls and have seemed to nailed it again in comparison to others at this price.

The design is familiar and the build is robust housed in plastic however all round they look well and feel solid and do the job they set out to do here. The controls work really well and you can see more of this and the app in the video review below..

The case as seen in the video is also really cool with a pebble like shape offering decent battery life for the earbuds which are small offering up to 28Hrs of use in total, in real life terms this is slightly less when tested on max volume which is how I like o use my earbuds or headphones.

You also get ANC here and when on it will hit the battery life but the ANC is quite good too and fair at this price point, with the 10mm drivers on board they certainly deliver excellent sound and not forgetting the app also helps the performance overall with no lag latency noted at all and overall and excellent listening experience be it for music or movies put you pretty much central and speaking of latency none was noted for gaming either as you have the option to turn on/off the game mode which makes these an excellent all round pair of earbuds for those who listen to music or is into gaming.The SoundPeats Mini Pro HS supports LDAC codec and is Hi-Res certified so you are getting a really good bargain here for the price of the earbuds and they are certainly worth a look, I would like more colours going forward but after that there is not much to complain about here..

The App

Overall here the Soundpeats Mini Pro HS deliver on sound no matter what genre and pumps out some real bass and with the EQ app you are in control to fine tune them to your own needs.. See the video review for more.

Features 

    • Hi-Res Audio & LDAC Codec Tech
    • 10mm Driver for Immersive Bass
    • 40dB Hybrid ANC& Clear Call with 6 mics
    • 4.9g Ultra Light& In-ear Ergonomic Design
    • 8 Hrs Single Playtime &28H Full Playtime

Video Review

Tech Review – Benks iPhone 14 Pro case line up

Need some new cases for your iPhone 14 series well Benks has you covered and there is more to come from the company soon so stay tuned for that, this time around we have the iPhone 14 Pro cases line up to show you and one stand out for me in particular which is one made with Kevlar and it certainly looks like I will be sporting this on my iPhone 14 Pro next. Benks products lines include Digital Peripherals, Charging Accessories, and Innovative Accessories. Today we check out three cases so lets have a look and check out the full hands on video review for more.

MagClap Hybrid Case built with Kevlar

Made with DuPont Kevlar fiber, Benks Hybrid Case offers robust protection and minimalistic style for your iPhone. Not only this it will also give you additional grip and its looks the part too with steel buttons giving a refreshing keypress and tactile at the same time.

  • MagSafe Compatible
  • Ultra-Slim, Minimalist Design
  • Easily Detachable
  • Durable and robust
  • Minimalist Style

BUY 

MagClap Lucid Armor Phone Case

Lucid Armor phone case, provides invisible protection with breathable material that will never turn yellow it again is a cool looking case that can ad some extra grip and looking good you can still charge your phone too without the need to remove the case and again metal buttons present to give a different experience over typical plastic buttons.

  • Supports Wireless Charging
  • MagSafe Compatible
  • No-Fingerprint
  • Never turn yellow
  • Full Body Protection
  • Sleek Design
  • Clicky Metal Button

BUY 

MagClap Crystal Phone Case

Protect your iPhone with Benks Crystal Magnetic Phone Case. Extremely protective and impact-absorbing without compromising the beauty of your phone.Again offering all the other cases offer this one does allow you to see the true colour of your phone which lots do and comes with anti- yellowing which is a sight for sore eyes but not here this case also offers additional grip and protects all corners and areas of your phone with a lip around the front and lens like the past cases so you are in safe hands.

  • Supports Wireless Charging
  • MagSafe Compatible
  • UV Light Resistance
  • Full Body Protection
  • Sleek Design
  • Clicky Metal Button

BUY 

Video Review

Pioneer DJ launches all-in-one DJ unit, the OPUS-QUAD

Pioneer DJ, a world-class manufacturer of DJ equipment, announces the release of the OPUS-QUAD. This new professional all-in-one DJ system puts you in control of the music, like the conductor of an orchestra. Introducing a completely fresh approach to DJ equipment that harmonises design and playability, the OPUS-QUAD raises the level of elegance in musical direction and the space the music fills in any venue or environment, helping to create a special experience for your audience.

The role of the DJ is becoming increasingly diverse, with DJs often performing at a myriad of types of venues and events, from clubs and hotel lounges to fashion parties, sports events, product launches, and on live streams. As the musical direction needed from DJs is more diverse than ever, they need to be ready to adapt to different situations. By redefining the ideal all-in-one DJ system for the constantly evolving DJ scene, the OPUS-QUAD has risen to the challenge of harmonising playability and design.

The fresh design of the OPUS-QUAD doesn’t just look stunning – it enhances the unit’s playability too. The distinctively shaped top plate is sloped and has a rounded edge at the front, making it more elegant and comfortable to rest your hands on. With a matte black finish across its body and earth-coloured slits on the front and sides of the unit, the OPUS-QUAD complements the aesthetics of any venue or space. And certain elements that are key to a musical performance are accentuated to make them easily identifiable: for example, the control knobs with copper-coloured markings.

To create a perfect grip for mixing and direct control of the music, the jog wheels have streamlined dimples and a textured finish on the outer and top parts respectively, harmonising playability and design. Hidden LEDs on the jogs emit a gentle glow that matches the colour you’ve pre-assigned to each deck, indicating its playing status while also transmitting a feeling of sophistication to the audience when you DJ.

This new unit, with its game-changing design and evolved features, gives you more flexibility and greater control of the music so you can raise the level of your performances and create a better experience for your audience. The OPUS-QUAD is now available to buy for £2,899. Perfect for those wanting to add a touch of style to their playing environment, this DJ system offers a striking aesthetic to complement any living space or venue. For more information, go to pioneerdj.com. 

The Irish Casinos Leading the Tech Race

Over the past few years, the online casino market in Ireland has become increasingly competitive, with dozens of online casinos vying for players’ attention. To stand out in this crowded market, Irish online casinos have turned to technology, using innovative tools and features to attract and retain players.

One of the ways that Irish online casinos have used technology to compete is through the use of mobile apps. With more and more players accessing online casinos on their mobile devices, mobile apps have become an essential tool for online casinos to reach their audience. Leading Irish online casinos like 888casino, bet365, and LeoVegas have all developed mobile apps that allow players to access their favorite games on the go, with streamlined interfaces and features specifically designed for mobile play.

Another way that Irish online casinos have used technology to compete is through the use of live dealer games. These games, which use live video feeds to simulate a real-life casino experience, have become increasingly popular among players who prefer the social aspect of playing at a physical casino. Leading Irish online casinos like bet365 and LeoVegas offer a wide range of live dealer games, including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and more, with professional dealers and high-quality streaming video.

Irish online casinos have also used technology to enhance the security and safety of their platforms. With the rise of online fraud and cyber attacks, online casinos have become increasingly vigilant about protecting their players’ sensitive information. Leading Irish online casinos like 888casino and LeoVegas use advanced encryption and security protocols to protect players’ personal and financial data, while also offering tools like two-factor authentication and account verification to prevent unauthorized access.

888casino, bet365, and LeoVegas have also made strategic partnerships and acquisitions to help them compete in the crowded online casino market. For example, in 2020, 888casino announced a partnership with game developer Pragmatic Play, adding popular titles like Wolf Gold and Sweet Bonanza to its platform. Meanwhile, in 2021, bet365 acquired a majority stake in Stoiximan/Betano, an online sports betting platform, to expand its presence in Greece and other European markets. LeoVegas also made a major move in 2020 by acquiring Expekt, a European sports betting brand, to expand its sports betting offerings and enter new markets. These partnerships and acquisitions are just a few examples of how Irish online casinos are using strategic business moves to stay ahead of the competition and offer the best possible experience to their players.

One of the key ways that Irish online casinos have differentiated themselves in the market is through their customer support offerings. Many of the leading Irish online casinos offer 24/7 customer support, with options like live chat, email, and phone support. Some online casinos also offer resources like FAQs and forums to help players troubleshoot issues and find answers to common questions. By providing top-notch customer support, Irish online casinos are able to build trust with their players and ensure a positive experience.

Another area where Irish online casinos have invested heavily is in their payment and withdrawal options. Leading Irish online casinos like 888casino, bet365, and LeoVegas offer a wide range of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, e-wallets like PayPal and Skrill, and even cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. They also offer fast and secure withdrawal options, with some online casinos processing withdrawals in as little as a few hours. By offering flexible payment and withdrawal options, Irish online casinos are able to appeal to a wider audience and provide a more convenient experience for their players.

Here are a few figures that illustrate the impact of advanced technology on Irish online casinos:

 

  • According to a report by Research and Markets, the global online gambling market is expected to grow from $58.9 billion in 2019 to $92.9 billion by 2023, with online casinos accounting for a significant portion of that growth.
  • A survey conducted by the UK Gambling Commission found that online casino games were the most popular form of online gambling in the UK, with over 3 million active accounts.
  • In 2020, 888casino reported a 56% increase in revenue, driven in part by its investment in advanced technology like AI-powered personalization and enhanced mobile offerings.
  • Bet365, one of the largest online gambling companies in the world, reported a net revenue of £2.98 billion ($3.96 billion) in its 2019-2020 financial year, up from £2.98 billion ($3.96 billion) in the previous year.
  • LeoVegas, another major player in the Irish online casino market, reported a 13% increase in revenue in 2020, driven by its investment in advanced technology like its proprietary platform and AI-powered customer support.

These figures demonstrate the significant impact that advanced technology has had on Irish online casinos, allowing them to grow and compete in a rapidly expanding market. By investing in cutting-edge technology, Irish online casinos have been able to provide a more personalized, convenient, and engaging experience for their players, driving revenue growth and securing their position as leading players in the online casino industry.

In addition to these features, Irish online casinos have also used technology to improve the overall player experience. This includes features like personalized recommendations, advanced search tools, and social sharing options that allow players to share their wins and interact with other players. By investing in technology and offering innovative features and tools, Irish online casinos like 888casino, bet365, and LeoVegas have positioned themselves as leaders in the highly competitive online casino market.

 

First look – Switchbot indoor home security package

SwitchBot is passionate team dedicated to building products that help enrich people’s lives by making the world around us more interactive, fun, and accessible and they are conscious that sometimes completely re-fitting a home with smart products is neither economically viable, nor is it great for the environment and their mission is the fill this void and offer products that are made for people from all walks of life, across the world, one SwitchBot at a time.

Switchbot is not new for those who have not heard of them either in fact we reviewed some of their products in the past and rather than bin old stuff they can change it with tech or upcycle it which is great and the company has been around since 2016 and their product portfolio has grown to give your house a full overhaul inside and out having the latest features on board to making this a very good ecosystem to look at should you be in need to change things around, I prefer to have one ecosystem in house but due to my work it is hard to do and having multiple apps is a pain controlling your home.

This setup here is for inside your home and I have heard so called Irish security experts on radio stating it is pointless having indoor security in your house which is utter rubbish as indoor cameras can serve in well in several instances such as keeping an eye on pets your elderly relatives and more.

Today we take a look at the set-up we have been sent to check out and stay tuned for more to come from the company and if you have any questions feel free to ask and again if you have any concerns regarding security in your home or need advice please ask.

Check out the entire switchbot range here.

Unboxing Video